What to expect in Roshn Saudi League’s matchweek 24
Roshn Saudi League’s matchweek 24 begins on Thursday.
Key details for all seven fixtures – Al Batin defeated Al Hilal 1-0 in a rearranged match because of the latter’s AFC Champions League finals duties – are below:
AL ADALAH V AL TAAWOUN
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: 14th-placed Al Adalah should be eager to return to action after they escaped the drop zone.
A double from prolific winter addition Marcus Antonsson helped propel them out, with an epic 2-2 draw versus Damac. This is tempered, however, by recent heavy home losses to Al Raed and Al Nassr.
Sixth-placed Al Taawoun are determined to return to winning ways.
Pericles Chamusca’s troops have failed to prevail in four top-flight matches. Their Paraguay playmaker Kaku provides hope after breaking the Pro League’s assist record for a single season, when making it to 13.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Adalah’s recent form reads LDLD. Al Taawoun have drawn their last three matches 1-1.
WHEN: 19:00 KSA; Thursday, April 27, 2023
WHERE: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium, Al Ahsa
AL TAI V ABHA
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Expect plenty of attacking action when eighth-placed Al Tai are involved.
A trio of 2-2 draws have witnessed the goal contributions dominated by their electric front line of Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona, Congo’s Guy Mbenza and Algeria’s Amir Sayoud.
10th-placed Abha are encouraged by the ending of a seven-match wait for top-flight victory.
They edged a 3-2 thriller with bottom-placed Al Batin earlier this month. Tunisia playmaker Saad Bguir may again be key.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Tai have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six fixtures. Abha have taken four points from their last two matches, after taking one point from the six games before.
WHEN: 19:00 KSA; Thursday, April 27, 2023
WHERE: Prince Abdul Aziz bin Musa’ed Stadium, Ha’il
AL ITTIHAD V AL SHABAB
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Leaders Al Ittihad come into this game on the back of a five-match winning run in the top flight.
They did, however, lose in extra time during the King’s Cup semi-finals.
Third-placed Al Shabab know victory will thrust them firmly into the title picture.
Their rollercoaster 3-2 league victory at Al Khaleej was their third in a row, plus featured 12-goal top scorer Carlos Jr returning from injury as a 79th-minute substitute.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Ittihad have won 10 of their last 11 matches. Al Shabab are unbeaten in five away matches, since losing twice in a row at Al Fateh and Al Wehda.
WHEN: 21:30 KSA; Thursday, April 27, 2023
WHERE: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah
AL FATEH V AL WEHDA
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Fifth-placed Al Fateh are firing on all cylinders.
Buoyed by the brilliance of Saudi Arabia striker Firas Al Buraikan and Moroccan flyer Mourad Batna, they’ve won their last two games to an aggregate score of 5-0.
Victory for 13th-placed Al Wehda would provide added daylight to the relegation places.
Jose Luis Sierra’s side have also been celebrating progression into a first King’s Cup final since 1970. They defeated Al Nassr 1-0 on Monday.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Fateh have lost just once in five outings. Al Wehda have won one of their last 10 away games.
WHEN: 19:00 KSA; Friday, April 28, 2023
WHERE: Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium, Al Ahsa
ETTIFAQ V DAMAC
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Ninth-placed Ettifaq continue to react positively to caretaker Antonio Cazorla’s appointment.
Youssoufou Niakate’s incredible, 91st-minute bicycle kick earned victory versus Al Fayha last-time out. This made it eight points from 15 under the Spaniard.
Seventh-placed Damac have showcased renewed spirit under Cosmin Contra.
The Romanian has guided them to two wins, one draw and one defeat.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Ettifaq have prevailed in four of their last six home fixtures. Damac have won one and lost four of their last five away dates.
WHEN: 19:00 KSA; Friday, April 28, 2023
WHERE: Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam
AL FAYHA V AL KHALEEJ
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: 12th-placed Al Fayha are fighting to regain momentum.
Last-gasp defeat at Ettifaq extended their winless league run to five matches, after prevailing in two of the previous four.
15th-placed Al Khaleej are locked in an intense fight against the drop.
Defeat to Al Shabab put them into the bottom two. The promoted side will, however, be buoyed by the strong form of attackers Fabio Martins and Sokol Cikalleshi.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Fayha are on a five-match winless away run, after winning the prior three. Al Khaleej have taken one point from the past 21 available.
WHEN: 21:30 KSA; Friday, April 28, 2023
WHERE: Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium, Al Majma’ah
AL NASSR V AL RAED
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: Second-placed Al Nassr will hope for a response after Riyadh Derby defeat.
The 2-0 reversal to Al Hilal has left them three points off the pace, having played a game more than Al Ittihad.
11th-placed Al Raed want to regain consistency.
The 3-0 reversal at Al Fateh made it one win from their last seven. Romania winger Alexandru Mitrita is central to their ambitions.
CURRENT ROSHN SAUDI LEAGUE FORM: Al Nassr have won seven of their last eight home games. Al Raed are on a four-match undefeated streak on the road.
WHEN: 21:30 KSA; Friday, April 28, 2023
WHERE: Al Awal Park at King Saud University, Riyadh